Yuan Liangping introduced name after name, and although most guests already knew them, they were still astonished.
This essentially encompassed all the local magnates of Hangjiang.
One must understand that these individuals hadn't even graced the wedding of Su Yingxia and Jiang Shaolong some days ago, because in their eyes, the Su and Jiang families were merely second-rate.
Even with Jiang Shaolong bearing the title of Mr. Long, these local tycoons paid him no heed.
After all, a strong dragon couldn't oppress a local snake, so that wedding was attended by more business bigwigs from out of town.
This banquet, however, was entirely different; it now concerned the interests of all of them.
So many prominent families showing respect to Yuan Liangping had created this banquet that would be the talk of Hangjiang for ages.
"There are many other friends here whom I cannot introduce one by one, and for that, I apologize," Yuan Liangping said with a smile. "I estimate many friends are already impatient, so I will not linger. However, there is one matter I must announce here: I, along with these elders and friends, have reached a preliminary consensus with Young Master Xu."
"We will establish a group company, tentatively named Hangjiang Longxiao Group, to engage in close cooperation and concerted efforts. Today's auction is the beginning of this collaboration!"
Upon hearing this, the entire venue erupted in a clamor.
A group formed by so many prominent families would likely be a behemoth from its inception, dominating the business circles of Hangjiang, or even the entire Liangjiang region.
"We will share resources and present a united front against external parties. However, we are not limited to ourselves; anyone interested can apply to join after the banquet."
Yuan Liangping continued, "We have agreed that the purpose of this group is to consolidate resources and strength, enabling Hangjiang to develop more rapidly."
All the guests were in discussion, many with expressions of utter shock.
Such an event was akin to a massive earthquake for the Hangjiang business community, igniting fervent hope in many, making them eager to join and participate immediately.
Of course, there were also those who displayed a hint of unease.
Establishing a colossal group to integrate resources and strength was undeniable, but not everyone or every family would necessarily benefit!
Resources were finite; benefits couldn't be equally distributed. As some rose to prominence, others would inevitably pay a price, becoming sacrifices.
This would only be different if the group's focus was outward, extracting gains from elsewhere.
Seeing the reactions of the crowd, Yuan Liangping on stage chuckled, a faint smile on his lips, and enthusiastically waved to the long-awaiting auctioneer.
He then descended from the stage, each step as if treading on clouds, exuding an air of supreme confidence.
He had secured the allegiance of nine top-tier prominent families – or rather, a cooperative alliance for mutual progress. With the momentum of today, he was poised to sweep through Hangjiang.
Prosper with the current, perish if you resist!
He aimed to become the undisputed leader of the Liangjiang business circles, to hold the entire Liangjiang region in his grasp.
A new financial empire would rise, and he, Yuan Liangping, would be its master.
Amidst the commotion and murmurs, a seasoned auctioneer slowly ascended the stage.
Simultaneously, a beautiful young waitress in a qipao brought the treasure forward and placed it on the stage.
"The auction officially begins. According to the auction order, the first item for today is a set of Victoria jewelry accessories, including a tiara, necklace, and bracelet…"
After a detailed description, the auctioneer announced, "Starting bid, three million. Minimum increment, fifty thousand!"
The shockwaves from the earlier announcement had yet to dissipate, and the heat surrounding the first auction item wasn't particularly high.
After a considerable pause, someone picked up a paddle from their table and began bidding.
"Three million five thousand!"
"Three million one hundred thousand!"
"..."
The competition was not intense.
"Five million!"
Suddenly, a bid rang out from Chen Fan's table.
Glancing over, the bidder was a young man wearing glasses.
After placing his bid, he shot a provocative look at Chen Fan.
Chen Fan paid him no mind; such provocations were too childish for him!
Five million was already a rather high price, and most guests wouldn't lack jewelry; no one else bid.
Thus, the young man with glasses secured the first item.
A charming woman delivered the jewelry box to their table.
The young man opened it, and a dazzling radiance spilled forth.
"Young Master He is indeed wealthy and generous! No woman can resist the allure of such jewelry!"
"Tsk tsk, it's truly beautiful!"
"Five million, you know? Can some people who only know how to show off earn this much in a lifetime of working?"
Among the young people at the same table, a woman began to insinuate Chen Fan, saying sarcastically, "Look at his pathetic appearance, he probably has never seen such valuable jewelry before?"
"He's just a frog in a well. Look at what he's wearing, and then look at his female companion. Doesn't he have any self-awareness, daring to sit at this table and not feel ashamed?"
"You guys don't know, right? This is just him deliberately seeking attention, like a clown. He wants to become famous."
"..."
Several people were engaged in incessant cold mockery.
"What are you talking about?" Tang Qingying frowned and huffed.
The group exchanged glances and chuckled smugly.
Xiao Xuan was also quite displeased. "Having money makes you so great? What are you so proud of? Money like yours isn't earned by yourselves; you're just squandering your family's wealth, mere parasites."
The woman who had spoken was angered by this and retorted, "Hillbilly, why don't you look at yourself? How dare you talk about us?"
The man with glasses sneered, "You're right. Having money is great. With money, you can do whatever you want. The happiness of rich people is something you poor devils will never understand!"
"Don't say I didn't give you a chance. You've still got some looks, dump this pauper next to you and spend the night with me, and I'll give you these jewels."
"You..."
Xiao Xuan's face turned red with anger, but she didn't know what to say.
"A mere five million, what's there to be so arrogant about?" Tang Qingying said disdainfully. "I don't even care for this thing. Only useless people like you get so smug!"
The expressions of the young men soured at this, but they had no rebuttal.
They knew Tang Qingying's identity. In front of her, they indeed lacked the standing to flaunt their wealth.
Chen Fan retracted his gaze from the auction items on stage and glanced coldly at the group. "With money, you can do whatever you want? Then if I'm richer than you, what does that make it?"
The group exchanged glances, and with a snort, they burst into laughter.
If the occasion were more suitable, they would probably have been laughing out loud.
"Stop joking, you? Richer than us?" the young man with glasses said with utter disdain.
"He must be going crazy from wanting to be rich."
"This is the best joke I've heard!"
"..."